Review: 2019 Kia Proceed

One of these is the new ProCeed, and you might be surprised to discover that this is a second five-door estate. But the difference between this and the Sportswagon lies in its shape and mission, its curvily fastback rump designed for style rather than the carrying of large boxy objects, Kia unofficially calling this car a shooting brake.

So, it has folding seats, a fifth door and quite a long boot, but you may not be able to close said tailgate on a chest of drawers. If that is your need, then it’s the square-cut Ceed Sportswagon that you require. Besides being sportier of look, the ProCeed is also available with more extensive equipment packages beyond the company’s admirably simple 1-through-4 range climb, the additions labelled GT-Line and GT-Line S. There’s also a higher performance version called GT.

If you’re confused and/or glazing over at all these fresh and overlapping permutations, consider the challenge for a sales person attempting to explain them to a customer. Their challenge will increase later this year, when a Ceed crossover also debuts. To add further choice, the GT’s 201bhp 1.6-litre turbo engine also available in the five-door hatch, sampled here along with the ProCeed. Those familiar with Kia’ previous Ceed range may be aware that the previous ProCeed was a rather shapely three-door hatch of coupe-like character. This new ProCeed is intended to offer some of the same design allure with its shooting brake design, which at the price is unique.

This new ProCeed is more expensive and longer, though also easier to get in and out of in tight spaces because its doors are shorter and more numerous. The extra length, and weight, means that the 1.4-litre petrol engine occasionally battles to deliver the performance implied by the ProCeed’s racy looks, especially if it’s laden. The engine is a little thrashy when stretched too, although its 138bhp generates decent pulling power. If you want more relaxed and authoritative performance then the 1.6 diesel does a better job, this engine providing more torque, if slightly less horsepower and the stigma that now comes with a diesel and its particulates. That leaves the GT, which is substantially more powerful and of sportier temperament too.

A suite of muscle-enhancing design tweaks, ranging from bigger alloys to a bodykit and bucket seats, signal this ProCeed’s more dynamic ambitions, as does an exhaust whose light rasp is suggestive both of more power and the difficulties of generating such sounds without resorting to artificial means. The fakery is still more obvious in the Sport mode, which amplifies throttle response, firms the steering to subtly pleasing effect and turns the exhaust more vocal. The ProCeed advances with pleasing zeal in this mode, its performance lively enough to deliver enjoyably brisk progress that secure roadholding, precise steering and good body control allow you to comfortably exploit.

It’s capable, then, although some may eventually tire of the exhaust’s rantings, while keen drivers will discover that the chassis is largely immune to attempts to alter the car’s line with the throttle. That’s as true of the seven-speed double-clutch gearbox as the manual version tried in the Ceed GT. This car’s handling is more composed during darting switchback manoeuvres, doubtless because there’s less bodywork aft of the back axle, but the engine’s emission-reducing habit of continuing to rev for a few moments after you’ve released the throttle eliminates any hope of trimming the car’s trajectory with a swift throttle-lift mid-bend. So the GT is less of a precision driving tool than it might be. But it’s not without its entertainments, whether this engine comes with five-door hatch or five-door shooting brake architecture.

That architecture provides much the same physical and material experience within a cabin that’s mostly well finished (back-benchers sit among gloomier, less décor-rich environs), presents a well-stocked, modern dashboard of slightly less satisfying sculpture than the previous model’s, and plenty of space up front. In the rear, legroom is more confined, especially as you can’t comfortably slip your feet beneath the front seats.

The GT’s ride is firm without becoming a punishment, but the softer ride aboard the milder-mannered diesel could be softer still. Its engine, however, is relatively quiet and smooth. Truth be told, the diesel suits the ProCeed best if you plan to regularly use its shooting brake convenience. If you fancy the GT driveline, that’s best ordered with the Ceed five-door hatch, which handles more deftly and carries styling enhancements that make it a little more satisfying to look at.

Stat attack: Kia ProCeed

Price:

1.4-litre petrol: £23,835 (manual)/£23,935 (auto)

1.6-litre petrol: £28,685 (auto)

1.6-litre (diesel): £24,685 (manual)/£25,785 (auto)

Engines: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol, 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol, 1.6-litre four cylinder turbodiesel

Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel-drive; 7-speed double clutch, front-wheel-drive

Power/torque:

138bhp @ 6,000rpm/178lb ft @ 1,500rpm – 3,200rpm (1.4-litre petrol)

201bhp @ 6,000rpm/196lb ft @ 1,500rpm – 4,500rpm (1.6-litre petrol)

134bhp @ 4,000rpm/207lb ft @ 1,500rpm – 3,000rpm (1.6-litre diesel manual)

134bhp @ 4,000rpm/236lb ft @ 2,000rpm – 2,250rpm (1.6-litre diesel auto)

0-62mph:

1.4-litre petrol: 8.8 seconds (manual)/9.1 seconds (auto)

1.6-litre petrol: 7.2 seconds (auto)

1.6-litre diesel 10.0 seconds (manual)/9.8 seconds (auto)

Top speed:

1.4-litre petrol: 130mph (manual)/127mph (auto)

1.6-litre petrol: 140mph (auto)

1.6-litre diesel: 124mph

Kerb weight:

1.4-litre petrol: 1,378kg (manual)/1,405kg (auto)

1.6-litre petrol: 1,438kg

1.6-litre diesel: 1,438kg (manual)/1,465kg (auto)